Twelve years removed from his first World Series as a manager, Bruce Bochy is trying to savor this trip, recognizing that the opportunity may not arise again. Like William Wallace, at least as he was played by Mel Gibson, he’s trying to make this moment count.

“This is what you strive for every year,” he said. “It goes back to when you’re a little kid, playing wiffle ball in the backyard or Little League, whatever it is, you’re always picturing yourself or having this vision of being in the World Series. And then, as you get older, you realize how big the stage is.

“This is what the game is about, and it means a lot to me ... And when you get here, I think you need to take a step back and realize how hard it is and appreciate it and enjoy the moment and realize what it takes to get here.”